Sample interview questions: How do you handle patients who require exercise prescription for cardiovascular fitness?
Sample answer:
- Assess the patient’s current cardiovascular fitness level. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET): This test measures the patient’s oxygen consumption, heart rate, and blood pressure during exercise. CPET can be used to diagnose cardiovascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, and to prescribe an appropriate exercise program.
- Resting electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG can be used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, such as arrhythmias.
- Blood pressure measurement: Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Set realistic goals for the patient. When prescribing an exercise program for cardiovascular fitness, it is important to set realistic goals for the patient. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, a goal might be to walk for 30 minutes three times per week.
- Choose an appropriate exercise modality. There are many different types of exercise that can improve cardiovascular fitness, including:
- Aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling
- Resistance exercise, such as weightlifting and bodyweight exercises
- Flexibility exercise, such as stretching and yoga
- Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. As the patient prog… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/2_2_6/Cardiopulmonary%20Physical%20Therapist